Spotify distances itself from Cory Bernardi's Australia Day playlist after backlash from artists

Spotify has distanced itself from Cory Bernardi’s controversial alternative Australia Day playlist, stating it does not “endorse” the political party, however the playlist has not been banned despite claims to the contrary.

Bernardi, a South Australian Senator and the leader of Australian Conservatives, crated the playlist in an effort for Australians to have something to listen to on Australia Day after Triple J made the decision to shift its own ‘Hottest 100’ countdown away from the date out of respect for Indigenous peoples.

The playlist – which – which features hits from Met At Work, John Farnham, Cold Chisel, Savage Garden and the Hilltop Hoods – made headlines after artists featured quickly condemned Bernardi and the Australian Conservatives party.

Bernardi told the artists they should be “grateful” for any royalties received as a result of their inclusion in his playlist.

Spotify has distanced itself from the playlist, however contrary to other media reports, the playlist is still available for listeners.

“Spotify has actively supported marriage, gender and indigenous equality initiatives over the last five years, and believes in a diverse and multicultural Australia,” a statement from Spotify said.

“We want to make clear we do not endorse this playlist, nor do we have any official ties to the Australian Conservatives party nor any other political party.

Bernardi told 2GB he will not “buckle and fold” on the issue.

“I’ve merely done what millions of other people have done, created a playlist of music that I can listen to on Australia Day,” he said.

“The artists get paid for it and they’re saying, ‘No, you’re not allowed to do that, it’s terrible.’ I think we’re living in a very dangerous time and that’s why I will not buckle and fold on this. Last night we got a message from Spotify saying this playlist was offensive and derogatory comment or something like that.

“So they said they’re going to be removing it because it was offensive, and I’m going, what can possibly be offensive about compiling a playlist of songs that are available on your own service?

“The idea that we live in this totalitarian society now where these vainglorious artists and activists in the community can tell the rest of us what we’re allowed to enjoy is incredible, and I’m not going to stand for it anymore.

“It’s not just about this, it goes through a whole range of other areas, and we’ve got to stand up and call it out for what it is. So if these blokes want to take me on I’m happy, I’ll have the fight with them.”

Former Savage Garden front-man Darren Hayes, who led the attack against Bernardi and the playlist, has argued that while anyone can make a Spotify playlist, political parties should no.

“Anyone can make a Spotify playlist. But if you are a political party, you can’t compile a playlist of songs that espouse your platform, name it after your party, promote it from your political websites and social media, then pretend you are not politicizing the artists involved. You are and you’re doing it without our permission,” he said in a statement shared on Twitter.

“You can not make a political statement that requires music as the medium for the message, without it implying the tacit approval of all of those artists mentioned. I, and many of the artists on this bogus playlist would never endorse The Australian Conservatives party. This is not a situation where a customer has made a fun digital mix-tape and shared with their friends. This is a political party using Spotify and the works of artists as the content from which to advertise a very specific political stance.

“There can be no confusion, the Australian Conservatives party playlist promoted by Cory Bernardi is a political stunt designed to make a political statement.”

Bernardi’s playlist follows on from the Greens launching its own ‘move the date’ campaign, which Bernardi said demonstrates the party’s “loathing for our country, our values and our history”.